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Film Review: The Substance

Welcome back to the blog readers. You already know how I feel about horror films in general, with each one being a mixed bag until I actually see it. But one type of horror film I never have seen before is a body horror film. And this has nothing to do with the quality of one, I just never had an opportunity to do so. But I decide to check this one out because of the awards buzz it is already getting. So how would I feel about this film after seeing it? Stick around to find out.


The Substance was written and directed by Coralie Fargeat. The film stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. In the film, a faded actor decides to take a black-market drug to revive her career by creating a younger and better version of herself, but the drug gives them both horrifying side effects.


As I stated in the introduction, I never got an opportunity to see a body horror film so I really did not know what to expect from this film. I also stated that I had taken notice of all the awards buzz that this film was getting and was excited to see possibly one of the early contenders for Best Picture. I will say this now, but my goal this year is to see all the potential (and eventual) nominees because I did do it for the 2020 Oscars. Now back to this film. This is one of the most disturbing films I have ever seen, but there is a kind of brilliance to the film. Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley both give Oscar-worthy performances and the film absolutely has a lot to say about fame and regrets.


I first want to talk about the performance of Demi Moore, and I am willing to bet you money that she will be one of the five nominees for Best Actress. Because she possibly gave one of the best performances of the year as faded actor Elisabeth Sparkle. At first, there is a type of subtlety to her performance, but it becomes more and more chaotic as the film goes on. You find yourself really latching on to the mayhem and madness as it evolves, and you are left in shock and awe by the end of it. Moore was an absolute riot in this role, and believe me, she will be one of the five names in January.


Next, I need to talk about the performance of Margaret Qualley as "Sue." Like I stated with Demi Moore last paragraph, I will bet you money Qualley will be one of the five nominees for Best Supporting Actress in January. The wife of music producer Jack Antonoff gives possibly one of the most raw and engaging performances of the year. At first, Qualley's performance is sweet and one you believe to be genuine, but we see a different, more menacing side of her as the film evolves. There is a rage about the performance in the back half of the film that leaves you totally shocked.


I next want to talk about the screenplay of this film, and that goes hand-in-hand with the themes of the film. In addition to directing the film, Coralie Fargeat wrote this film with something to say to Hollywood and the film industry itself. I personally believe that this screenplay is exceptionally smart in what it wants to say about fading fame and relying on youth to boost ratings. A sentiment like that is so real in today's industry and is probably something that is relevant to Demi Moore as a nearly 62-year-old woman. And I think the other aspect of this script that is notable is how Hollywood has been embracing younger talent for their appeal and looks. While Margaret Qualley has not been in many high-profile projects, but she is relatively young and attractive, so that may be why she has gotten the roles she has. I think the script plays on this idea exceptionally well, and is one of the reasons I believe Fargeat will have a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.


I also want to talk about the score of this film. While I may not be an expert on the ins and outs of a film score (and hence why I do not speak on it as much), I have to say that I am a big fan of the score of this film. This score was done by British composer Benjamin Stefanski, aka Raffertie (If he does get an Original Score nomination at the Oscars, he will go by his birth name and not his stage name). And his score is sonically diverse and in-your-face, I just love it so much. There are regular instruments in some tracks, but some tracks are EDM in-your-face, almost like they came out of the game Cyberpunk 2077 (2020). I personally so believe he will get a Nomination for Best Original Score in January.


In conclusion, The Substance is a gross, yet brilliant look at Hollywood, giving us Oscar-worthy performances from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, and delivers on a solid script. Thank you all for reading, and I will see you for the next post.

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